Dogon Standing Maternity Figure, Based

Mother and child, at the scale of a hand.

Dogon artists of Mali cast this figure in bronze in the early 20th century. Across West Africa such images speak of fertility and the continuity of the family, and small metal versions were kept close as personal objects. She stands just under five inches tall, head small and crested, torso straight, a flat apron panel above blocky legs and anklets. A long-limbed infant lies across her body, reaching up toward her breast while one of her arms wraps around it in a sweeping loop.

Bright turquoise corrosion against dark brown patina.

Small. Unhurried. Quite sure of itself.